Grachev Struggling in the AHL

The young, much hyped rookie winger Evgeny Grachev is struggling to get acquainted to the rigors of AHL play. After exploding on to the prospect scene last year with a 40-goal, 80-point season with the Brampton Battalion of the OHL, Grachev has just 12 goals and 26 points in his first season in the AHL. Grachev struggles to score goes are exacerbated by his inability to play defense.

According to Mitch Beck, of Howlings.net, who was interviewed by Jim Schmiedeberg and The Mouth of Blueshirt Banter, Grachev is struggling in all aspects of his game. Part of the problem could be that because of the hype that came with that 40-goal season. But, the kid is just 19 years old, so let’s hope this is just an aberration, and not the norm. Next year could be the most important of this young kid’s hockey career thus far.